Iran-backed group warns Sharon 'holy war' is forever

GAZA — The Islamic opposition to Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat has threatened to continue a bombing campaign against Israel.

The Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad warned that its "holy war" against Israel will never stop and is meant to create terror in the Jewish state. The Jihad said this would be a Palestinian response to the election of Ariel Sharon as Israel's new prime minister.

"The choice of holy war will never stop," Islamic Jihad leader Abdullah Shami said. "The choice of carrying out explosive attacks in the heart of the enemy will continue, not only within the 1967 lands, but in all of Palestine, from the Nile to the sea and from the north to the south. We confirm that the bombing missions will continue to create a balance of terror. The destruction of the enemy's cities and villages and the killing of settlers is the choice. So, be ready, Sharon."

The threats were issued as a Jewish settlement was again attacked by a mortar believed to have been fired by Palestinians. On early Sunday, an Israeli military troop carrier was bombed in Gaza. Nobody was hurt.

Meanwhile, Egypt and Syria are reported to be in sharp disagreement during the current meeting of Arab League foreign ministers.

Syria has called for a renewal of the Arab boycott against Israel in wake of Sharon's election as prime minister. Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk A-Shaara has called Sharon a threat to regional security.

Egypt and Jordan have counseled patience. They said the Arabs should not rush to respond until Sharon's policy can be determined.

The foreign ministers also disagreed on how to distribute up to $1 billion pledged to the Palestinians. The Palestinians said only $50 million has been received so far.

Shami was addressing a rally of about 2,000 supporters in Gaza on Friday. This, as PA officials vowed to continue attacks on Israelis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

"The uprising is an outcome and a natural reaction to the Israeli aggression, murder and assassination of the Palestinian people," PA Cabinet secretary Ahmed Abdul Rahman said.

In Gaza, Palestinian sources said 22 Palestinian families living in an Israeli enclave near Khan Yunis were given orders to evict their homes on Sunday. The sources said the Israeli order was based on security reasons and that the homes would be destroyed.